Northern Territory police warn online radicalisation is a growing threat among young people

Northern Territory Police Commissioner Martin Dole has warned that the region is no longer safe from the growing threat of violent extremism and the radicalisation of young people online. This warning follows the recent arrest of an NT teenager last week over allegations he accessed, discussed and reposted violent extremist material on social media. Police state two NT teenagers have faced terrorism-related charges in the last six months. This includes a 15-year-old arrested last week who allegedly possessed violent extremist material, collected documents to help facilitate a terrorist act, and held schematics for 3D-printed firearms. Police sources indicated the teenager allegedly expressed support for the 1999 Columbine High School massacre and white supremacist Brenton Tarrant, who killed 51 people in a 2019 attack on mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Investigations and Research

Commissioner Dole noted that social media and artificial intelligence mean the Territory's traditional safety buffers like geography and analogue systems no longer protect it. He pointed to research commissioned by Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett, which analyzed 55 Joint Counter Terrorism Team youth cases from 2020 to 2025. All 55 cases involved boys aged 12 to 17 who were radicalised either partly or entirely online. While most cases involved mixed ideologies, jihadist extremism was most common, followed by anti-government or white supremacist views. Commissioner Dole warned that many people committing violent acts based on extremist views are not previously known to police or intelligence agencies before suddenly enacting violence.

Community Role

Police are asking the community for help to combat the rapidly increasing threat. The arrest of the teenager last week came after a tip-off to Crime Stoppers a week earlier. Commissioner Dole urged parents and family members to watch out for warning signs in young people, such as increasing withdrawal or unusual, strong reactions to the news or political announcements. He clarified that one warning sign does not automatically mean a person is radicalised online, but it is enough reason to ask questions. Police encourage the public to call Crime Stoppers if they notice any concerning behavior, as law enforcement agencies across Australia grow fearful of what cybercrime may bring in the next 18 to 24 months.

Context

Law enforcement agencies globally face challenges as extremist groups and individuals increasingly use social media platforms and emerging technologies to recruit youth. Joint Counter Terrorism Teams operate across Australia to investigate potential threats involving both federal and state or territory police forces. Public reporting hotlines like Crime Stoppers serve as vital links for police to intercept plots before individuals unknown to security agencies carry out attacks.